Let the winter festivities begin.
As winter settles over AlUla, one of the season’s most joyful community celebrations makes its return. AlManshiyah Carnival once again takes over the historic AlManshiyah Plaza, filling the neighbourhood with colour, music, and a warm sense of togetherness as part of Winter at Tantora. Open, welcoming, and full of life, the carnival invites visitors of all ages to experience AlUla at its most playful and people-focused.
Running every Friday and Saturday from 19 December 2025 to 10 January 2026, AlManshiyah Carnival is free to enter and designed to be enjoyed by families, friends, and visitors alike.
When Tradition Meets Play
At its heart, AlManshiyah Carnival brings together cultural heritage with good vibes and endless fun. Vintage carnival games, roaming mini parades, live concerts, interactive workshops, and food stalls come together to create an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.
From the lively streets to the glow of evening lights, the carnival transforms the plaza into a festive playground where shared moments take centre stage. It’s a celebration that captures the true spirit of winter in AlUla, vibrant, communal, and full of energy.
A Neighbourhood Full of Character
Located within one of AlUla’s most characterful areas, AlManshiyah Plaza provides the perfect backdrop for AlManshiyah Carnival. The plaza itself is a popular gathering point, home to cafés, restaurants, playgrounds, and communal seating areas that naturally encourage people to linger.
Just steps away is the beautifully preserved AlUla Railway Station, a historic landmark linking the area’s modern buzz to its storied past. Nearby, the AlManshiyah Farmers Market brings even more to explore, offering farm-fresh produce, local delicacies, handcrafted goods, and artisan-made gifts, all of which complement the carnival atmosphere.
Live Entertainment From Dusk Till Night
Each evening, AlManshiyah Carnival comes alive from 6pm to midnight with a full programme of entertainment. The Main Stage hosts a rotating schedule of performances, including folkloric Daha and Rifaihi dances, Oud and Qanun performances, and live musical showcases that run throughout the night.
Beyond the stage, roaming entertainers bring surprises around every corner. Puppet shows, magic acts, stilt walkers, balloon artists, and interactive performances ensure that there’s always something happening across the plaza.
Activities for All Ages
Designed with families in mind, AlManshiyah Carnival features dedicated Kids and Gaming Zones, offering classic carnival-style games in timed sessions. Creative workshops, from wool weaving and bread making to hat crafting, invite visitors to get hands-on with AlUla’s traditional crafts.
Pop-up food stalls and local vendors round out the experience, giving guests the chance to sample local flavours while soaking up the festive atmosphere.
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Dates: 19–20 December, 26–27 December 2025; 2–3 January, 9–10 January 2026
Time: 6:00 pm – 12:00 am
Location: AlManshiyah Plaza
Price: Free entry (food, games, and workshops payable on site)
Age policy: All ages welcome (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult)
Parking: Complimentary parking at AlManshiyah Parking
Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller accessible (includes loud noises and flashing lights)
Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a warm jacket for winter evenings.
Part of Winter at Tantora
AlManshiyah Carnival is a signature attraction of Winter at Tantora, AlUla’s flagship cultural festival running from 18 December 2025 to 10 January 2026. Named after the historic sundial in AlUla Old Town, the festival celebrates heritage, creativity, and community through performances, immersive experiences, and cultural encounters across the region.
As part of the AlUla Moments 2025/26 calendar, the carnival plays a key role in showcasing AlUla as a global destination for meaningful, memorable experiences, where culture, history, and community come together naturally.
To plan your visit and explore upcoming events, visit experiencealula.com.
